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Christchurch
Fulltime
commercial

National Account Executive - Reusable Bags

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

 

REPORT TO: National Account Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid (2 days per week) commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset

 

Purpose of the role:

With our entrepreneurial spirit and drive for business growth we need a dynamic National Account Executive to build relationships with our customers. If you have a positive can do attitude, love problem solving and managing customers this is a fantastic opportunity to join the fastest growing category in the business. You’ll develop existing accounts and look for new business to add to our already prestigious global portfolio. You will plan and oversee all aspects of the projects and meet the desired goals. You will oversee the organisation and scheduling of people, tasks and resources with autonomy to deliver the results for your own customer

Key Responsibilities:

  • Bring your passion and enthusiasm to grow existing clients, alongside generating new business
  • Live the Solent Values and work with your teams to drive the Vision
  • Work with all depts to ensure customer strategy is met
  • Formulate customer-specific sales plan/strategy, in-line with accountable budget, ensure costings are pre-checked and spec, packaging and recommended retail prices are correct
  • You will be working independently alongside a pre-set sales strategy to achieve account-specific budgets with the opportunity to add you own ideas to secure additional sales growth
  • Understand customer KPIs, and targets and review performance, with knowledge and proposals to reach category standards
  • Relentlessly pioneer the future and pursue ambitious growth opportunities in your customers
  • Be resourceful and employ innovative solutions to deliver value, gross margin & volume targets for your customers
  • Contribute to the wider sales team and support other colleagues with their accounts. Share your ideas and help contribute to team goals and ambitions
  • Assigning, monitor and co-ordinate project milestones and progress, with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Lead and plan the implementation of the project (resource, relationship, allocation)
  • Manage high volume SKU level CPA's (over 200 SKUs in totality)
  • Ensure visibility and feedback is maintained

 

About you:

  • Desirable 2 years’ experience managing national accounts, ideally top 6 grocers
  • Strong commercial acumen
  • Desirable Retail/FMCG experience, ideally top 6 grocers
  • Appetite/ ideally experience with international grocers
  • Licensing experience is an advantage but not essential
  • Detail-orientated with an ability to multi-task and set priorities
  • Experience / Awareness in Critical Path Management
  • Resource Planning & Allocation, managing demanding workload and prioritisation
  • Project Risk Assessment
  • Familiar with using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint

 

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay
Christchurch
Fulltime
product

Junior Food Product Developer

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

 

REPORT TO: Senior Product Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid (2 days per week) commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset

 

Purpose of the role:

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-past environment and be passionate about all things snacking! We are looking for an individual who can build lasting relationships, have a problem-solving mindset, is not shy of multi-tasking, knows how to prioritise, learn quickly, and be open to a challenge – previous experience in a similar role or a graduate with a food-based degree or background.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in all functions of the product development process including market washouts, trend spotting, tracking new product launches
  • Responsible for sending out courier packages and sample management
  • Critical path management to ensure projects are developed on time
  • Work and follow up with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all areas of the account are being run effectively
  • Prepare and write copy for product, sales & marketing materials
  • Support and manage product and design briefs. Working closely with the design team to produce and adjust designs to fit customer/brand requirements
  • Be able to work with a diverse workload across a variety of product areas
  • Send regular updates regarding the business and product development
  • Support regular market washouts and comp shopping to ensure market awareness
  • Support on raising product and design briefs and managing system uploads
  • Sample Management
  • Trend analysis and ability to collate and present back findings
  • Passionate about snacking! This is not a role in a development kitchen but instrumental to lead exciting new product development launches.

 

About you:

  • Can do attitude with a positive mindset
  • Self-motivated
  • Analytical
  • Ability to multi-task on multiple projects
  • Confident in communicating and developing relationships with internal and external
  • Passion for product and an interest in retail
  • A willingness to learn and improve and have a ‘hands on’ approach.
  • Can show examples of cross functional working
  • Appetite to learn new categories and explore new product ranges
  • Strong time management and a proactive work ethic
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Be reliable and committed
  • Fluent use of Microsoft Office – in particular Outlook, Excel and Power Point

 

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay

Christchurch
Fulltime
product

Product Manager - Reusable Bags ( Maternity Cover)

Negotiable
FixedTerm

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

 

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

DIVISION/DEPT: Product

REPORT TO: Head of Product 

LOCATION: Hybrid, commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset (Head Office)

TRAVEL: Occasional travel to manufactures & customer meetings 

Purpose of the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our fastest growing reusable bag division. You will own delivery of the division’s critical paths on time and in full while acting as product champion, driving growth through innovative NPD. Brings trend knowledge and market acumen to inject excitement into the category and strengthen our customer partnerships.

Develop new products with both existing and new customers, using consumer insight and data to inform decisions. Communicate clearly with all team members on critical paths and project status. Build strong stakeholder collaboration to ensure project viability and provides concise briefs to buying teams.

Apply technical knowledge of product make-up while managing detail across multiple projects. Deliver confident, high-impact presentations to customers. As the role develops, you will have opportunities for both UK and international travel.

Scope & Relationships:

  • UK & EU supplier facing and Solent Asia buying team
  • Retailer facing for all live projects
  • Internally face into commercial, technical, design and supply chain teams
  • Internal Stakeholder management

 

Main Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for driving business growth through NPD
  • Manage the product development from Concept stage to finished goods
  • Manage the production of the required deliverables through HK buying team
  • Presentation building for key customer meetings
  • Contribute to Category plans for the financial year with quarterly reviews
  • Project implementation: Cross functional working with technical & design to ensure we are creating clear market leading briefs
  • Manage our project management tool Asana ensure content is accurate and updated weekly
  • Problem solving & reacting to customer deadlines / requests
  • Reviewing emails and project requirements, conducting meetings with teams and stakeholders, scheduling, monitoring metrics and many more
  • Market and trend analysis 
  • Engage with teams globally across different time zones

Experience and knowledge:

  • Interest in fashion and clothing trends, passion for textiles and licensing
  • Can confidently understand and run a critical path
  • Manufacturing knowledge key, ideally working with FE suppliers
  • Project management across multiple SKU’s and categories
  • Examples of cross-functional working across multiple teams
  • Market and trend understanding in order to overlay onto product plans
  • Strong supplier relationships with a commercial mindset
  • Trade Show and supplier visit experience
  • Examples of problem solving and solutions to previous projects
  • Strong communication skills and detail orientated
  • Ability to review trends and clearly present back to team / retailer
  • Building strong relationships internally and externally
  • Ideally 3+ years of product development experience

In turn we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff with an office presence ideally once a week
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay

Dinnington
Fulltime
people-culture

Senior HR Advisor

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

 

Here at Solent, we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has a genuine passion for people and would like to join a successful, global company, based at our office in Sheffield.

REPORT TO: People & Culture Business Partner

LOCATION: Sheffield

Purpose of the role:

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-past environment, is forward-thinking, personable and who has the drive to develop, as they will be involved in all aspects of Recruitment and HR across the UK, with exposure to the SA & Asia teams.

 

You will be fundamental to the People & Culture department in all aspects of People to ensure we deliver a culture and office environment that represents Solent and our values. This is a varied role where you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge in all areas of HR, Recruitment and Office management to effectively support the business.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Senior HR Advisor at Solent, you will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic HR agenda while providing comprehensive HR support to designated business units. Working closely with senior leadership and line managers, you will act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance and expertise on a wide range of HR matters. Your primary responsibilities will include:

 

Strategic HR Leadership:

  • Collaborating with management to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives
  • Providing insight and expertise on organisational design, workforce planning, and talent management initiatives
  • Proactively identifying opportunities to enhance employee engagement, retention, and productivity

 

 Employee Relations and Performance Management:

  • Advising managers on employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance improvement plans
  • Conducting investigations and resolving workplace conflicts in accordance with company policies and legal requirements
  • Supporting the performance management process, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and coaching for improvement

 

Talent Acquisition and Development:

  • Working with the Talent Acquisition Partner to identify staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies
  • Participating in the selection process, including interviewing candidates and assessing cultural fit
  • Facilitating onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth transition for new hires

 

HR Policy and Compliance:

  • Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements
  • Reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to reflect best practices and promote a positive work environment
  • Providing guidance on HR-related matters, including employment law, equal opportunities, and diversity initiatives

 

HR Analytics and Reporting:

  • Utilising HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of HR programs
  • Generating regular reports on key HR metrics, trends, and insights to drive continuous improvement

 

Employee Lifecycle

  • Identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions to enhance HR processes and practices. You will own the employee lifecycle from recruiting to probation to ensure we onboard and develop our teams successfully
  • Actively work with Managers in the business to understand the roles and skills needed of the business
  • Working with the Solent Social Committee with Social events including our annual summer and winter parties
  • Supporting the training initiatives and liaising with external stakeholders
  • Culture initiatives – assist in coordinating Global Culture initiatives
  • Administration, general tasks and on-going projects to support the People & Culture department and Solent Head Office function  

About you:

  • CIPD or equivalent professional qualification preferred
  • Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
  • Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into HR initiatives
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR data and metrics
  • High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to confidentiality

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities
  • Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays

Christchurch
Fulltime
people-culture

Senior HR Advisor

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

 

Here at Solent, we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has a genuine passion for people and would like to join a successful, global company, based at our office in Christchurch, Bournemouth.

REPORT TO: People & Culture Business Partner

LOCATION: Christchurch, Bournemouth

Purpose of the role:

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-past environment, is forward-thinking, personable and who has the drive to develop, as they will be involved in all aspects of Recruitment and HR across the UK, with exposure to the SA & Asia teams.

 

You will be fundamental to the People & Culture department in all aspects of People to ensure we deliver a culture and office environment that represents Solent and our values. This is a varied role where you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge in all areas of HR, Recruitment and Office management to effectively support the business.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Senior HR Advisor at Solent, you will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic HR agenda while providing comprehensive HR support to designated business units. Working closely with senior leadership and line managers, you will act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance and expertise on a wide range of HR matters. Your primary responsibilities will include:

 

Strategic HR Leadership:

  • Collaborating with management to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives
  • Providing insight and expertise on organisational design, workforce planning, and talent management initiatives
  • Proactively identifying opportunities to enhance employee engagement, retention, and productivity

 

 Employee Relations and Performance Management:

  • Advising managers on employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance improvement plans
  • Conducting investigations and resolving workplace conflicts in accordance with company policies and legal requirements
  • Supporting the performance management process, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and coaching for improvement

 

Talent Acquisition and Development:

  • Working with the Talent Acquisition Partner to identify staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies
  • Participating in the selection process, including interviewing candidates and assessing cultural fit
  • Facilitating onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth transition for new hires

 

HR Policy and Compliance:

  • Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements
  • Reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to reflect best practices and promote a positive work environment
  • Providing guidance on HR-related matters, including employment law, equal opportunities, and diversity initiatives

 

HR Analytics and Reporting:

  • Utilising HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of HR programs
  • Generating regular reports on key HR metrics, trends, and insights to drive continuous improvement

 

Employee Lifecycle

  • Identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions to enhance HR processes and practices. You will own the employee lifecycle from recruiting to probation to ensure we onboard and develop our teams successfully
  • Actively work with Managers in the business to understand the roles and skills needed of the business
  • Working with the Solent Social Committee with Social events including our annual summer and winter parties
  • Supporting the training initiatives and liaising with external stakeholders
  • Culture initiatives – assist in coordinating Global Culture initiatives
  • Administration, general tasks and on-going projects to support the People & Culture department and Solent Head Office function  

About you:

  • CIPD or equivalent professional qualification preferred
  • Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
  • Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into HR initiatives
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR data and metrics
  • High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to confidentiality

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities
  • Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays

Christchurch
Fulltime
buying

Head of Buying

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

REPORT TO: Global Sourcing & Technical Director

LOCATION: Hybrid (min 1 day in office)

TRAVEL: UK and EU    

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of this role is to oversee and manage buying projects from initial concept through to successful launch. This includes pricing negotiation, lead time control, quality control, and production innovation to ensure successful product launches. A significant attribute needed is manufacturing expertise and relationship management, which ensure efficient communication and coordination with the factories, customers, and internal cross-functional team

           

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build strong relationships internally with: Product, operations, Commercial and technical. As well as our global UK/SA/China/Vietnam teams
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with all factories and customers to ensure we grow strong partnerships
  • Managing a global team working in hybrid locations, maintaining clear objectives, alignment and achieving joint KPI’s
  • Supporting the division business growth through robust category plan strategy and lead suppliers joint business plan.
  • Lead UK & EU buying strategy, supplier cost management and income.
  • Ensure consistent availability and market beating cost prices
  • Lead Mintec reporting and analysis across the team
  • Provide coaching and training to the teams, leading company values and maintaining a positive working environment.
  • Work collaboratively with Product, Technical, Supply chain, Commercial & suppliers
  • Manage and plan the team travel and ensure annual budgets are managed and cost reductions driven YOY
  • Lead risk management and negotiations with suppliers
  • Manage innovations and market trends to increase business opportunities

 

About you:

  • University or high Diploma graduate
  • Minimum 10 years of industry experience in sourcing, product development or project management experience.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in leadership and team management 
  • Strong Product knowledge across Non-Food and Food product development  
  • Strong supplier relationship management.
  • Strong market, business & commercial sense with strong analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Strong negotiation skills

 

 

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay

Christchurch
Fulltime
buying

Buyer

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

REPORT TO: Senior Buying Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid (min 1 day in office)

TRAVEL: UK and EU    

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of this role is to oversee and manage buying projects from initial concept through to successful launch. This includes pricing negotiation, critical path control, quality control, and production innovation to ensure successful product launches. A key part of this role is building manufacturing expertise and relationship management, to ensure efficient communication and coordination with the factories, customers, and internal cross-functional team.

           

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build strong relationships internally with: Product, operations, Commercial and technical. As well as our global UK/SA/China/Vietnam teams
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with all factories and customers
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to guarantee the timely delivery and the completion of projects by monitoring daily operations and risk assessments
  • Execute the team's cost-saving schemes and supplier strategy
  • Evaluate product costs, trends, and suppliers to make informed purchasing decisions that are aligned with the company's budget and profitability objectives
  • Explore innovations and market trends to support the commercial team
  • Regular factory meetings and quarterly factory visits for maintaining supplier relationships and collecting the factory update
  • Evaluate supplier performance to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Research of commodity and monitor industry trends to meet business needs
  • Presentation about the innovation, commodity, market research
  • Sampling parcel arrangements

 

About you:

  • University or high Diploma graduate
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in sourcing, product development and project management experience
  • Ability to understand product development and manufacturing requirements
  • Good supplier relationship management and basic knowledge of manufacturing processing
  • Strong negotiation and costing skills
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Well-planned & organised
  • Passionate and willing to learn

 

 

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay
Remote
Fulltime
commercial

National Account Manager - Foods

Negotiable
Permanent

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

REPORT TO: National Account Controller                   

LOCATION: Remote in the UK

TRAVEL: UK and EU    

Purpose of the role:

Solent Group is seeking a dynamic National Account Manager to build relationships with our customers and manufacturing partners. You will develop existing accounts and look for new business to add to our already prestigious portfolio. This role is responsible for planning and overseeing all aspects of projects while meeting set targets.

You will be an experienced National Account Manager within FMCG (ideally foods) who has an exceptional track record of maintaining and growing a customer base while ensuring all members of the team are motivated and inspired to hit business goals and objectives.

Strong commercial acumen coupled with a desire to go above and beyond is key for this role, Solent Group is committed to achieving the extraordinary together, we would love you to be part of our journey!

           

Key Responsibilities:

  • Bring your passion and enthusiasm to grow existing clients, alongside generating new business
  • Live the Solent Values and work with your teams to drive the Vision
  • Work with all depts to ensure customer strategy is met
  • Formulate customer-specific sales plan/strategy
  • You will be working independently alongside a pre-set sales strategy to achieve account-specific budgets
  • Understand customer KPIs, and targets and review performance, with knowledge and proposals to reach category standards
  • Relentlessly pioneer the future and pursue ambitious growth opportunities in your customers
  • Be resourceful and employ innovative solutions to deliver value, gross margin & volume targets for your customers
  • Contribute to the wider sales team and support other colleagues with their accounts
  • Assigning, monitor and co-ordinate project milestones and progress, with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Lead and plan the implementation of the project (resource, relationship, allocation)
  • Ensure visibility and feedback is maintained

 

About you:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience managing national accounts, ideally top 6 grocers
  • Strong commercial acumen
  • Retail/FMCG/ Food experience essential, ideally top 6 grocers
  • Experience across our product categories, ideally in Foods/Manufacturing and or Private Label
  • Appetite/experience with international grocers
  • Detail-orientated with an ability to multi-task and set priorities
  • Experience in Critical Path Management
  • Resource Planning & Allocation
  • Project Risk Assessment
  • Familiar with using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint

 

 

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
  • 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
  • Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
  • Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
  • Great learning and development and progression opportunities · Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Generous Company Sick Pay
  • Pension Scheme Contribution
  • Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dress down Fridays
  • Free parking on Christchurch Quay
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